Christian McCaffrey Dominates former Team as 49ers Defeat Panthers
SANTA CLARA, CA – Christian McCaffrey delivered a standout performance against his former team, leading teh San Francisco 49ers to a 28-9 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. McCaffrey amassed 142 total yards – 89 rushing and 53 receiving – and scored a touchdown, propelling the 49ers to 8-4 and solidifying their playoff position.
The win was crucial for San Francisco despite a rocky first half from quarterback Brock Purdy, who threw three interceptions. the 49ers overcame the turnovers by leaning heavily on McCaffrey and a conservative offensive approach in the second half. This game highlights McCaffreyS continued impact since joining the 49ers in October 2022, marking his 10th 100-yard game of the season – just two shy of the franchise record he set in 2023.
Carolina’s Bryce Young struggled to replicate his success from the previous week, where he threw for a franchise-record 448 yards. Young finished with 169 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception. The Panthers (6-6) missed an opportunity to take sole possession of first place in the NFC South.
the 49ers opened the game with a 12-yard touchdown pass from Purdy to Jauan jennings, capitalizing on five consecutive runs by McCaffrey to start the drive. However, Purdy then threw three first-half interceptions, two by Jaycee Horn, but carolina managed only three points off the turnovers.
McCaffrey extended the 49ers’ lead with a 12-yard rushing touchdown in the second half, followed by a field goal from Matt Gay. Young connected with Tetairoa McMillan for a 29-yard touchdown, but a failed two-point conversion attempt kept the Panthers trailing. A second interception by Ji’Ayir Brown while Carolina was in scoring position sealed their fate.
